Forum for Democratic Change FDC presidential candidate Nathan Nandala Mafabi drew massive crowds in Ajuri County, Alebtong District, as he continued his 2025 presidential campaign trail across northern and eastern Uganda.
Mafabi, who is positioning himself as a champion of fairness, integrity, and service delivery, pledged to prioritize equal pay for teachers, tackle corruption, and boost the economy once elected president.
Hundreds of FDC supporters welcomed Mafabi with chants and flags as he arrived for his first rally in Alebtong. In his speech, he criticized local leaders allied to the ruling National Resistance Movement NRM for neglecting citizens.
“You have a leader in the name of Benson Obua who speaks big English, sits with President Museveni, and yet works for his stomach only,” Mafabi said.
“He has been telling us that all is well in Alebtong, but I have seen the truth look at the poverty you are living in.”
Appealing for unity, Mafabi urged supporters of the Uganda People’s Congress UPC to rally behind him, calling himself a “true congressman” inspired by the late Dr. Milton Obote.
“Obote went to Busoga College Mwiri , I went to the same school. He was a Leader of the Opposition, I also held that position,” Mafabi told the cheering crowd.
“The decision to make Obote president was made in Mbale, where I was born. That shows I’m a true congressman. To my UPC brothers and sisters vote for me since my brother was denied a chance to contest.”
While addressing a rally in Awei Sub-county, Mafabi outlined his education reform agenda, vowing to close the pay gap between science and arts teachers and to offer free education forteachers’ children from primary to university.
“Teachers performing the same work should not be paid differently because of what they teach,” Mafabi emphasized.
“My government will ensure equal pay for all teachers, and we shall provide free education to their children.”
FDC Treasurer Geoffrey Ekanya praised Mafabi as “a leader who loves people and cares for every Ugandan,” adding that the candidate’s policies are focused on real social justice.
In Lira District, Mafabi visited the home and burial site of Charles Angiro Gutomoi, the former MP for Erute North and one of FDC’s founding members who died in a car accident in 2023.
“Gutomoi was our friend and colleague. When he died, we stood with his family, and now that we’re back in his constituency, we came to pray for blessings,” Mafabi said.
Gutomoi’s son, Isaac Ojok Angiro Gutomoi, will run for Erute North on the FDC ticket in the upcoming parliamentary elections.
Crossing to Suam, Bukwo District, Mafabi called on voters to support the FDC’s key symbol in the 2026 general elections, promising to restore dignity and services to communities displaced from the Mt. Elgon Game Reserve.
“It’s time for Bukwo to vote for change and enjoy better services,” he said.
“You’ve been ignored by the same government you keep voting for. Let’s change that.”
FDC Treasurer Geoffrey Ekanya added that opposition-led areas often have better governance and services, while Budadiri East MP Isaiah Ssasaga described Mafabi as “an Eastern export who understands the people’s challenges.”
Mafabi says his campaign focuses on fighting poverty, corruption, and poor service delivery, and is grounded in his professional experience working with the World Bank and in Parliament.”Ugandans deserve better,” Mafabi said during his final stop in Lira City. “We must build a nation that works for everyone not just a privileged few.”
